The new practice setup could be especially helpful to Mick Cronin, who must incorporate five freshmen ? including top 25 recruit Jermaine Lawrence - into in his system this fall.

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For years, college basketball teams have been accustomed to beginning practice in the middle of October. But thanks to a new NCAA rule, that starting date has been moved up.

Teams are now allowed to begin practice 42 days before their regular-season opener, which means University of Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin will roll out the balls on Sept. 28, more than two weeks before the usual start to practice.

The Bearcats, coming off a 22-12 season and their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance, open their 2013-14 season on Nov. 8 at Fifth Third Arena against North Carolina Central. Their first ...